Mechanical Engineer

Location: Sterling, MA
Compensation: Wide range intended to reflect considerations for varied level of experience

About the Role
Live Automation, Inc. is a growing Automation Systems Integrator specializing in custom machine building and systems integration. We are seeking a Mechanical Engineer to join our team in Sterling, MA. This is a high-impact role for someone who thrives in a project-driven environment — someone who can own mechanical design from concept through commissioning while managing schedules and budgets and maintaining professional vendor and customer relationships with confidence.

Key Responsibilities
Design: Lead and execute 3D CAD design work using OnShape, including detailed part and assembly modeling, drawing packages, and design-for-manufacturability reviews.
BOM Management: Create, maintain, and manage Bills of Materials (BOMs) for active projects across all phases — from concept through build and commissioning. Ensure accuracy and version control throughout the project lifecycle.
Design Standards: Apply and uphold Live Automation and industry standard best practices relative to engineering design across mechanical systems, including material selection, tolerancing, fastener practices, and vendor component specifications. Contribute to the ongoing refinement of internal standards documentation.
Custom Part Quoting: Solicit, evaluate, and manage quotes from fabrication and machining vendors for custom parts and assemblies. Assess lead times, quality, and cost competitiveness; make recommendations and coordinate order placement.
Budget and Schedule Execution: Execute projects to planned budget and schedule. Track mechanical hours and material spent against estimates, flag variances early, and actively participate in project reviews and corrective planning.
Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with controls engineers, assembly technicians, and project managers to ensure mechanical designs are integration-ready and support on-time machine delivery.
Customer Site Support: Participate in Factory Acceptance Tests (FATs) and, as needed, support field installation and commissioning at customer sites.
System Analysis and Troubleshooting: Conduct thorough system analysis, testing, and troubleshooting to guarantee optimal operation and performance of automation systems.
Technical Support and Training: Provide expert technical support and training to Engineers, Technicians, and Customers, ensuring they have the necessary knowledge and tools to operate systems effectively.
Compliance and Safety: Ensure that all projects meet regulatory standards and adhere to strict safety requirements.

Qualifications
Education: Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or equivalent technical discipline required.
Experience: Minimum 3 years of mechanical engineering experience in an automation, custom machine building, or systems integration environment. Broad exposure across multiple industries is a strong plus.
CAD Proficiency: Hands-on experience with OnShape (or equivalent parametric CAD platform) required. OnShape experience strongly preferred.
BOM & Documentation: Demonstrated ability to manage structured BOMs and mechanical drawing packages throughout the full project lifecycle.
Vendor & Procurement Knowledge: Experience quoting custom fabricated and machined parts, reading vendor quotes critically, and managing supplier relationships.
Project Execution: Track record of delivering mechanical work on time and within budget in a project-based or job-shop environment. Familiarity with change order processes is a plus.
Small-Shop Mindset: Comfort in a lean, fast-moving environment where engineers are self-directed, wear multiple hats, and take ownership of outcomes. Prior experience working at a small integrator or custom machine builder is strongly preferred.
Communication: Clear, direct communication with both internal teams and external customers and vendors.

Work Environment
Daily work performed in an office or shop floor environment
Occasional field or service work at customer locations may require overnight travel, longer days, and nights or weekends work in a production or manufacturing environment

Core Values
Champion the Customer: Build partnerships, do what’s right, win together.
Own It: Take accountability, figure it out, and drive results
Deliver Excellence: Take pride in our work, bring expertise, and attention to detail.
Spark Innovation: Stay curious, embrace challenges, and never stop growing.
Stronger Together: Respect, support, and care for your teammates.

Our Partnership with Ondex Automation
Live Automation, Inc. is proud to be part of Ondex Automation, a Shore Capital Partners platform company built to serve North American manufacturers with advanced automation and integration solutions. As part of the Ondex platform, we have access to expanded resources, sister-company capabilities in panel fabrication, SCADA/MES, machine vision, and robotics — giving our engineers the tools and partnerships to take on the most technically demanding projects in food & beverage, life sciences, aerospace & defense, and beyond.

Why Join Us?
At Live Automation, electrical and controls engineers are trusted to own their work. You will design systems that solve real problems for real customers — and you will see those machines from concept through completion. We offer:
Competitive salary with annual bonus potential and opportunities for career growth
A collaborative, low-bureaucracy environment where your decisions matter
Exposure to diverse industries and machine types — no two projects are the same
A team that values craftsmanship, accountability, and continuous improvement

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